JPH0755411B2 - Jig for assembly of automatic assembly equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an assembling jig for an automatic assembling apparatus for assembling small equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, various types of automation of electronic device manufacturing have been studied, and production efficiency has been increased.

However, at present, each assembly of the main assembly or the sub-assembly that performs continuous automatic assembly is
In general, the basic equipment to be produced is directly placed on a conveyor and sent to an automatic line. Therefore, a small part of a small device requires a precise mechanism for positioning, which complicates the structure of the conveyor, resulting in high production cost and inability to improve production efficiency.
Therefore, an automatic assembling method in which an assembling jig capable of positioning the assembling parts is conveyed by a conveyer has been studied, but there is a problem in dealing with a defect when assembling.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to position small parts of a small device and efficiently switch the model of a product to be produced. It is an object of the present invention to provide an assembling jig for an automatic assembling apparatus that can notify the defective assembly when the assembly failure occurs.

[Summary of the Invention] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention uses a transfer conveyor to an assembly jig transferred to an automatic assembly machine arranged in each assembly process, and a predetermined model of a small device. Mounting part for mounting the parts, a model switching notification part for setting the switching signal of the model to be manufactured to either the switched state or the non-switched state to give the automatic assembly machine a switching signal, and the assembly of the parts. Defective product notification unit that is displaced by the automatic assembly machine when a defect occurs in the machine, and a model that is fixedly provided corresponding to the predetermined model installed in the mounting unit to distinguish the model to be manufactured. And a specific part.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The automatic assembly equipment consists of a host computer, an automatic rack stacker, a large number of automatic assembly robots arranged on the main assembly line and sub-assembly line, a line control computer, an automated guided vehicle control computer, an automatic packing machine, etc. The host computer manages the production of the equipment to be manufactured based on the above production plan and controls it. The host computer gives a control signal to the automatic guided vehicle control computer and the line control computer, and the automatic guided vehicle control is performed based on this control signal. The computer controls the automated guided vehicle to automatically carry out the necessary parts from the automatic rack stacker that stores the parts of the equipment to be manufactured to each automatic assembly robot, and to send the parts sent to each automatic assembly robot. Command from line control computer Based so that the assembled. As a small device to be assembled, for example, in the case of a small electronic calculator, this calculator has a circuit board, a liquid crystal display panel, a solar cell, a key button, etc. inside an upper case and a lower case. LSI on the board
(Large-scale integrated circuit), electronic components for power supply stabilization, etc. are attached, the liquid crystal display panel and solar cell are connected, and each button part of the key button is exposed from the upper case to the outside. The fixed contacts on the substrate are adapted to be electrically connectable and separable. In addition, the sub-assembly line is a line for automatically assembling an LSI on a circuit board, and an auxiliary board on which a liquid crystal display panel, a solar cell, and electronic components for stabilizing power supply are attached to the circuit board on which the LSI is assembled. The circuit boards, which consist of attachment lines, etc., are sent to the automatic rack stacker and stored once, and are sent to the main assembly line again according to a command from the automatic guided vehicle control computer. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main assembly line is for assembling parts based on a command from a line control computer, and includes an assembling jig (platen) 1
, A platen stacker 3 for storing a large number of assembly jigs 1, automatic assembly robots a, b ... H for assembling parts for each process, and automatic assembly robots a, b
... h standby stations 4a, 4b ... 4h, etc.

The transport unit 2 continuously transfers the assembly jig 1 and circulates the assembly jig 1 between the automatic assembly robots a, b, ... A conveyor 5 and a recovery conveyor 6, a descending elevator 7 arranged on both sides thereof,
The assembling jig 1 which is composed of the ascending elevator 8 and is sent from the platen stacker 3 is conveyed from the starting end side on the left side in the figure to the ending side on the right side by the upper feeding conveyor 5, and each automatic assembling robot a, The parts are assembled at b ... h, and the empty jig 1 from which the parts are removed after the assembly is completed is sent to the lower recovery conveyor 6 by the descending elevator 7 on the terminal side, and this recovery conveyor 6 To send from the end side to the start side,
The ascending elevator 8 on the start end side is fed again to the delivery conveyor 5. In this case, a counter 9 for counting the number of passing assembly jigs 1 is provided on the left end side of the recovery conveyor 6, and a model switching notification pin 10 for the assembly jigs 1 described later.
A model switching device 11 for setting the set position and the reset position is provided.

The platen stacker 3 is for accommodating a large number of various assembling jigs 1 ..., and storing parts 3a, 3b ... A conveyor unit 3g for transporting 1 to a predetermined storage unit, and a conveyor unit 3h for loading the assembling jig 1 onto the delivery conveyor 5 are provided. The platen stacker 3 is arranged at the head of each automatic assembling robot, and the assembling jig 1 of the model currently being assembled based on a command from the line control computer.
Are collected, and the assembling jigs 1 of the model to be assembled next are sent to the sending conveyor 5 one by one at regular intervals.

The assembling jig 1 is for accurately positioning and placing the parts (upper case) of the product to be manufactured (small electronic calculator), and as shown in FIG. A concave portion 1b for positioning and setting a base component 12a (for example, an upper case of a small electronic calculator) is formed on the upper surface of the jig, and a model specifying portion of the jig 1 is provided at a front corner of the jig body 1a. 13 is provided, and a model switching notification pin 10, a defective product notification pin 14, and a positioning recess 15 are provided on the upper right side of the jig body 1a. Many kinds of such assembling jigs 1 are prepared according to the model of the product to be manufactured. Further, the model specifying unit 13 has a discrimination means corresponding to the model of the product to be manufactured,
It is composed of a plurality of holes (four holes in this embodiment) penetrating above and below 1a, and the number of holes is different for each model.
Therefore, even when four holes are used as in this embodiment,
The combination of the presence or absence of the four holes makes it possible to identify 16 product types (type of jig 1). The model identifying unit 13 provided in the assembling jig 1 is confirmed by the jig discriminator 16a provided at the top of the sending conveyor 5 (third part).
Figure). As shown in FIG. 6, the jig discriminator 16a detects whether or not the jig 1 for assembling corresponds to the type of the assembling jig 1, that is, the type of the product to be manufactured. Four light-emitting elements 16a ₁ ... Are provided on the lower side of the conveyor 5, and four light-receiving elements 16a ₂ are provided above the delivery conveyor 5 so as to face the light-emitting elements 16a _1. The light of ... Is transmitted through each hole of the model specifying portion 13 provided in the assembly jig 1, and the transmitted light is received by the light receiving element 16a _2. The type of 1 is determined. Model switching notification pin
Reference numeral 10 is for switching the model of the product manufactured in the entire main assembly line, and is slidably mounted on the mounting member 1c provided on the jig body 1a through the O-ring 17, and both ends thereof project from the mounting member 1c. The jig body 1a is usually attached at one end as shown in FIG. 5 (A).
Is held at the reset position projecting inward, and when the model is switched, the other end is held at the set position projecting outside the jig body 1a as shown in FIG. 5 (B). That is, the model change notification pin 10 is transferred to the transport unit 2, and the assembly jig 1 ...
One of which is displaced to the model switching instruction position by the model switching device 11 of the recovery conveyor 6, and the assembly jig 1 with the model switching notification pin 10 displaced is sent to the pilot conveyor 1p by the delivery conveyor 5.
As shown in FIG. 7, each automatic assembly robot a, b.
..The model change signal (timing signal for model change) is sequentially given to h. In this case, the model switching device 11 operates the model switching notification pin 10 based on the model switching command from the line control computer. As shown in FIG. 7, the model switching notification pin 10 is set to the model switching instruction position. Set cylinder 18a and rit cylinder 1 that returns it to its original position
It consists of 8b, and the model switching notification pin 1 with the set cylinder 18a
The inner end of 0 is pressed to set the function switching instruction position, and the reset cylinder 18b is pressed to return the outer position of the model switching notification pin 10 to the original position. The model switching device 11
As will be described later, unless a model switching signal is received from the host computer via the line control computer, the reset cylinder 18b is operated to constantly hold the model switching notification pin 10 at the reset position. Further, the defective product notification pin 14 is for notifying whether or not the product being manufactured is defective, and is configured similarly to the model switching notification pin 10 described above, and when a defect occurs in the product being manufactured, The automatic assembling robots a, b ... h are adapted to be displaced each time. Although FIG. 7 shows only the defective product reset cylinder 19a with respect to the defective product notification pin 14, the set of the defective product notification pin 14 is exactly the same as the case of the model switching notification pin 10. Further, the positioning recess 15 is for positioning the assembling jig 1 conveyed by the delivery conveyor 13 with respect to the automatic assembling robots a, b ... H, and is formed on the attachment member 1c of the jig body 1a. Automatic assembly robots a and b
It is adapted to be locked at a predetermined position by each locking projection (not shown) of h. It should be noted that cushions 20 and 20 are provided on the side surface of the jig body 1a to cushion the impact.

On the other hand, the automatic assembling robots a, b, ...
In order to complete the product by sequentially incorporating the predetermined parts, the work procedure corresponding to the model of the product is stored, and the sensor 21 of the assembly jig 1 and the like are provided.
Incidentally, the automatic assembling robots a, b, ... H are, in order from the left side, a robot which turns over the upper case and carries it into the assembling jig 9 and places it, a robot for assembling a key button, and a subassembly line for assembling. It is a robot that assembles the assembled substrate assembly, a robot that assembles a lower case, a robot that tightens screws, a robot that attaches a name plate, a robot that inspects functions, and a robot that takes out a finished product. The sensor 21 detects the assembling jig 1 and its mounted parts, and detects that the model switching informing pin 10 of the assembling jig 1 is set at the model switching instruction position. Device 21b and defective product notification pin 1
4 is a defective product detector 21c for detecting that the defective product indication position 4 is set. As shown in FIG. 8, the model change detector 21b and the defective product detector 21c each include a proximity switch and the like, and the model change detector 21b detects the model change notification pin 10 and sets the model change notification pin 10 when the model change notification pin 10 is set. A detection signal (model switching signal) is given to the automatic assembly robot a and the standby station 4a to start the preparation for assembly of the next different model. The defective product detector 21c has a defective product notification pin 1
4 is detected and a detection signal (defective product detection signal) is given to the automatic assembly robot a when the defective product notification pin 14 is set. When a defect detection signal is given, the automatic assembly robot a
Does not assemble the parts at that time, and
The defective product is taken out of the conveyor 5 together with the embodiment by a take-out device (not shown). The model change detector 21b is also provided at a location corresponding to the jig discriminator 16a.

On the other hand, among the waiting stations 4a, 4b, ... 4h, the waiting station 4a waits for a four-tiered container loaded by an automated guided vehicle from an automatic rack stacker, and the parts in the container are transferred to each automatic assembly robot a. In addition to supply, the used container is put on standby, and comprises a container carry-in section 22 and a container discharge section 23 as shown in FIG. The container loading unit 22 places the loaded 4-tier container on the roller conveyor and sequentially moves it. The 4-tier container is held by the container holding unit and the lowest containers are automatically assembled one by one. It is designed to send out to the robot a side, and the container discharge unit 23 stacks containers storing empty pallets in four stages at the container stacking unit.
The containers stacked in layers are sent out by a roller conveyor. The container is a plastic box that is stacked in four layers and stores a large number of pallets inside, and a large number of assembly parts are stored and arranged in each pallet.

Next, the operation of the assembling jig 1 will be described.

When a production command is issued from the host computer to the line control computer, the line control computer issues a production command to each of the automatic assembly robots a, b, ... The stacker control unit is instructed to operate the platen stacker 3. Then, the platen stacker 3 sequentially sends the assembling jig 1 according to the model of the product to be produced to the sending conveyor 5 of the carrying unit 2 at regular intervals based on the instruction from the platen stacker control unit. The assembling jig 1 sent out is continuously conveyed by the delivery conveyor 5 in the order of the automatic assembling robots a, b ... H, and the automatic assembling robots a, b ...
It is held in a stopped state by a stopper means (not shown) at a predetermined position of h, and then positioned by an engagement projection engaged with the positioning recess 15. At this time, the standby stations 4a, 4b, ...
..Predetermined parts are loaded from 4h. This component is transferred to the delivery conveyor 5 side and mounted on a predetermined position of the assembling jig 1.

At this time, when the automatic assembling robot a for assembling the first part into the assembling jig 1 is assembling the case of the small electronic computer, the automatic assembling robots b, c, ...
-H is to assemble each predetermined component directly to the case, not to the assembly jig 1. Further, the parts to be assembled by the automatic assembly robot may be further assembled to the assembly parts of the case.

Further, at the time of assembling each of the automatic assembling robots, it is confirmed whether or not the assembling work by the automatic assembling robot in the previous process is correctly executed. That is, the intervals between the automatic assembling robots in each process are such that several assembling jigs 1 can be arranged between them, and all the assembling jigs 1 during this time are arranged in the automatic assembling robots a, b. ... positioned by a stopper means at a predetermined assembly position of h, and when the predetermined parts are assembled, the stopper means is released and at the same time conveyed to the position of the assembly jig 1 on the right side. However, between each of the automatic assembly robots, for example, a defective product confirmation device such as a TV camera determines whether the assembly is good or bad in the previous process. 14 is displaced to the defective product indication position. The assembling jig 1 in which the defective product notification pin 14 is displaced is detected by the defective product detector 21c disposed on the right side, and is removed from the delivery conveyor 5 to the outside by a take-out device (not shown). Then, the product in which each component is correctly assembled up to the automatic assembly robot in the final step is taken out from the assembly jig and transferred to the automatic packing machine.

The assembly jig 1 from which the finished product is taken out in this way is
It is sent to the lower recovery conveyor 6 by the descending elevator 7, recovered by this recovery conveyor 6, and raised by the elevator 8.
Is sent to the delivery conveyor 5 again, and the above-described operation is repeated. At this time, the assembly jig 1 circulated to the transport section 2 is counted by the counter 9 provided on the recovery conveyor 6,
Input to line control computer.

The line control computer stores the production plan quantity for each type of machine and for each model. The count number of the counter 9 is totaled and compared with the production plan quantity. Then, when the count number of the product reaches a predetermined quantity with respect to the planned production quantity, in other words, when the rest of the finished products of the model with respect to the planned production quantity reaches a predetermined value, the host computer is notified of the information. Send. Upon receipt of this information, the host computer causes the computer for controlling the automatic guided vehicle to carry in the parts of the next model into the standby stations 4a, 4b, ... 4h of the automatic assembly robots a, b ,. Issue a command for. That is, the host computer gives the automatic guided vehicle control computer information about the storage location of the automatic rack stacker unit in which parts used for the next function are stored and the process position of the parts. In response to this, the automatic guided vehicle control computer controls the automatic guided vehicle so that the containers storing the components of the next model are stacked in four stages, and the automatic rack stacker unit waits for a predetermined waiting station 4a, 4b. --- Bring it in to 4h.

At this time, the host computer again confirms with the line control computer the following types of machines and the number of production plans. If the confirmation result is OK, the line control computer instructs the automatic assembling robots a, b, ... H, the jig discriminator 16a, and the platen stacker controller to perform the following types of machines.

Then, when the count of the counter coincides with the planned production number stored in the line control computer, the line control computer gives a model switching signal to the model switching control section, and the model switching device 11 operates and is transferred at that time. The model switching notification pin 10 of only the first one assembly jig 1 is displaced to the model switching instruction position. In this way, model switching notification pin 10
Assembling jig 1 for which is set as pilot jig 1p,
It is transferred from the ascending elevator 8 to the starting end of the delivery conveyor 5. Here, the model switching detector 21b arranged corresponding to the jig discriminator 16a detects that the pilot jig 1p is set at the model switching instruction position and detects the jig discriminator 16a.
And a model switching signal is sent to the platen stacker control unit to switch each to the information corresponding to the next model. Therefore, the current assembling jig 1 following the pilot jig 1p is sequentially judged by the jig discriminator 16a to be inconsistent and is stored in a predetermined storage portion by the conveyor portion 3g of the platen stacker 3. In parallel with this, the assembling jig 1 of the next model is sequentially carried out from the predetermined storage section of the platen stacker 3 to the delivery conveyor 5 from the conveyor section 3h. Are sequentially stopped near the exit of the conveyor section 3h by stopper means (not shown). In addition, the pilot jig 1p is sequentially equipped with each automatic assembly robot a, b,
.. is sent to h, and a model switching signal is given to each automatic assembly robot a, b ... h. Along with this, the automatic assembly robots a, b, ... H detect the model switch notification pin 10 of the pilot jig 1p by the model switch detector 21b, and immediately the automatic assembly robots a, b ,. h and waiting station
Prepare 12a to start production of the next model. Then, the pilot jig 1p is conveyed by the delivery conveyor 5, and the automatic assembly robots a, b, ...
Along with this, the automatic assembly robots a, b, ... H start preparatory work such as chuck replacement and assembly component replacement work. Pilot jig 1p is an automatic assembly robot d
While being conveyed to the position, the automatic assembly robot a completes the preparatory work such as chuck replacement and component replacement. At this timing, the stopper means near the exit of the platen stacker 3 is opened, and the assembling jig 1'of the next model starts to be delivered to the delivery conveyor 5. Even in this case, the jig 1 for the current model, which follows the pilot jig 1p, does not match the jig discriminator 21a, and the platen stacker 3
The operation to be stored in the platen stacker 3 is continued, and at the same time, the assembling jig 1'of the next model is taken out from the predetermined storage part of the platen stacker 3. Then, as the next model, the leading assembly jig 1'is assembled by the leading automatic assembly robot a and then transferred to the next process. When the robot reaches the automatic assembly robot b in the next step, the robot b in this step has also completed the model switching work, and the model is immediately assembled to the leading assembly jig 1 '. Then, pilot jig 1p
Is located at the end of the assembly jig 1 of the model before switching, and the assembly jig 1'of the next model is the pilot jig 1p.
Since the pilot jig 1p reaches the terminal end of the delivery conveyor 5 while being conveyed in parallel with the delivery conveyor 5 while maintaining a constant interval S, when the pilot jig 1p reaches the end side of the delivery conveyor 5, 1'pilot jig is also available for parts assembly work
After a certain interval S, the process is advanced by a predetermined amount.

In general, when the transport speed of the delivery conveyor 5 is increased to improve the production efficiency, there is a problem that the model switching work of each automatic assembly robot cannot be done in time with respect to this transport speed. However, the production efficiency is reduced due to the restriction of the time required to switch the model of the automatic assembly robot. According to the present embodiment, the transfer speed of the delivery conveyor 5 and the model of each automatic assembly robot are as described above. Even if the time required for the switching work does not match, the reduction in production efficiency due to this can be minimized.

In addition, the work of collecting the assembly jig 1 of the model before switching to the platen stacker 3 is continued while the pilot jig 1p is transported and the next model assembly jig 1'is loaded from the platen stacker 3. Therefore, when the pilot jig 1p is circulated again to the starting end of the delivery conveyor 5 via the recovery conveyor 6, all the assembly jigs 1 of the model before switching are recovered by the platen stacker 3. However, pilot jig
1p is a model switching device provided at the end of the collection conveyor 6.
The model switching notification pin 10 is returned to the reset position by 11, so that the final jig collection operation for the platen stacker 3 of the pilot jig 1p is completed. After that, the assembling jig 1'of the next model is circulated, but since the assembling jig 1'is judged by the jig discriminator 16a to match, it is collected in the platen stacker 3. Without being carried out, the assembly work is again carried out by the automatic assembly robots a, b, ... The determination work by the jig discriminator 16a is not only performed when switching models, but also in the case of continuous production of the same model, even when assembly jigs of different models are mistakenly mixed on the conveyor, It is fully understood that the loss in such a case can be made extremely small since the jig can be immediately removed from the conveyor. Of course, in order to make this purpose more effective, the number of jig discriminators 21a may be increased.

Further, in the above embodiment, the model specifying portion 13 of the assembling jig 1 is constituted by a plurality of through holes, but the invention is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a reflecting plate 25 is provided, This reflector may be used to discriminate the type of the assembly jig 1 by the photoelectric detector 26 having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, or a plurality of magnets or small pieces made of a magnetic material may be arranged, and the small pieces may be arranged. You may make it detect by magnetic sensors, such as a proximity switch. Further, the model switching notification pin 10 of the assembling jig 1 does not simply slide, but, for example, as shown in FIG.
Notch recesses 10a, 10b are provided at the set position and the reset position of the model switching notification pin 10, and a coil spring 28 for pushing the steel ball 27 in and out is provided in the mounting portion 1c of the assembly jig 1. By pushing the steel ball 27 with 28 and inserting it into one of the cutout recesses 10a and 10b of the model switching notification pin 10, the model switching notification pin 10 is set satisfactorily at the set position and the reset position with a click feeling. You may do it.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, it was explained that each assembling robot assembles the predetermined parts to the assembling jig, but the present invention only performs processing for this. It also includes automatic processing robots.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the assembling jig of the automatic assembling apparatus according to the present invention, the assembling jig transferred to the automatic assembling machine arranged in each assembling process by the transfer conveyor. In the tool, a mounting part for mounting parts of small equipment, a model switching notification part for giving a switching signal of a model to be manufactured to the automatic assembly machine, and a displacement by the automatic assembly machine when a defective assembly of parts occurs. Since a defective product notification unit is provided, it is possible to position small parts of small equipment and efficiently switch the model of the product to be produced. It is possible to notify that there is.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an assembling jig, FIG. 2 is a plan block diagram of a main assembly line, and FIG. 3 is a side block diagram thereof. Fourth
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the model switching notification pin taken along the line AA, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the operating state of the model switching notification pin, Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the discrimination state of the model specifying unit, and Fig. 7 is model switching. The figure which shows the model switching device which displaces a notification pin, FIG. 8 is a figure which shows the detection state of each notification pin, FIG. 9 is a figure which shows the modification of a model specification part, FIG. 10 is the modification of the model switching notification pin. It is a figure which shows an example. 1 ... Assembly jig, 1b ... Recess, 2 ... Conveyor, 3 ...
Platen stacker, 5 ... Delivery conveyor, 6 ... Recovery conveyor, 9 ... Counter, 10 ... Model switching notification pin, 11
…… Model switching device, 12a …… Parts, 13 …… Defective product notification pin, 16a …… Jig discriminator, 21 …… Sensor, 21b …… Model switching detector, 21c …… Defective product detector, a, bh ... Automatic assembly robot.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An assembling jig for an automatic assembling apparatus, which is transferred to an automatic assembling machine arranged in each assembling process by a transfer conveyer and in which predetermined parts are sequentially assembled by each assembling machine. A mounting section for mounting parts of a predetermined model, a model switching informing section for setting the model switching status to either a switching status or a non-switching status in order to give a switching signal of the manufacturing model to the automatic assembly machine, and the parts. Insufficient product notification unit that is displaced by the automatic assembly machine when a defect occurs in assembly, and fixedly provided corresponding to a predetermined model installed in the mounting unit to determine the model to be manufactured A jig for assembling an automatic assembling device, which is characterized by having a specified model specifying section.